You Are Not Alone: A Journey of Hope, Healing, and Empowerment

 By Olivia Walz

“Have you ever felt like nobody was there? Have you ever felt forgotten in the middle of nowhere? Have you ever felt like you could disappear? Like you could fall, and no one would hear…”

“You Will Be Found” By Dear Evan Hansen

I never imagined that a song I’ve loved for so long could end up reflecting my life. There was a time in my life when I believed I had everything I could ever want, yet it all fell apart in an instant. Opinions, judgements, and expectations grew louder, their echoes drowning out the truth that had lived in my heart. I looked in the mirror and all I could see is what other people had defined me as, a stranger’s reflection. “You will never be good enough”, “nothing will ever make me like you”, “you’re so fake, no one will ever like you” “Olivia needs to kill herself.” I lost my way so completely that I was left with nothing but emptiness. In the emptiness, I had turned to the verse I had engraved into my heart: “God is within her, she will not fail.” “God is within Olivia, she will not fail.” And in that moment, I felt a warmth embrace me-a presence so gentle yet so powerful. It was Jesus whispering into my soul, “My Child.” His love gave me the courage to rise up and speak the words I had been to afraid to say: “I need help.”  With the help of my faith, family, creating boundaries, and learning that I am not alone. I knew that I would never want anyone to feel the way that I felt. My D-E-P-R-E-S-S-I-O-N was turned into…

“I PRESSED ON”

According to the CDC, Mental health includes emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. 1 in every 8 persons in the world live with a mental disorder. 1 in 20 Americans has lived with a serious mental illness like depression. The rate of these rising numbers is alarming. With my testimony as my motivation and the platform that the Miss America Opportunity has given me, I plan to execute my plan of HEAL. Hear, Emphasize, Access, and Live.

Hear: It is crucial to listen to someone when they are going through a mental health crisis. It helps them feel seen, heard, and validated. When people are experiencing a mental health crisis, they often can feel isolated, overwhelmed, or misunderstood. Having someone who can genuinely listen without judgement can provide a sense of connection and support. How can I listen to someone when they are going through a mental health crisis? Here are some tips! 

First, be fully present. Make sure distractions (like a phone) are put away. Maintain eye contact to show that you are engaged. Use open body language (ex: relaxed posture, uncrossed arms and legs, open palms, etc.) to show that you are approachable and focused. Next you need to validate their feelings. Avoid minimizing what they are saying. For example, “it’s not that bad” or “Others have it worse.” Instead, affirm their emotions with statements like, “it makes sense that you feel this way.” Ask open-ended questions. Instead of “are you okay?” (which might be a “yes” or “no”) ask, “What has been on your mind”, “How can I best support you right now”, “Would you like to talk more about it?” Avoid judgment or unsolicited advice. Instead of offering solutions right away, ask if they want advice or just need to vent. Avoid interrupting of trying to “fix” their problem immediately. Reassure them that their feelings are valid and they’re not alone. Encourage professional help if needed. If they seem at risk of harming themselves or others, encourage them to seek professional support. Offer to help them find resources or accompany them if needed. The last thing you can do is follow up. Check in to see how they are doing. A “Thinking of you” message can mean a lot

Emphasize: When people hear that they are not the only ones facing these mountains, it becomes more digestible to reach out and receive the help they need. People need to know they are not alone. It’s important to know that we, as titleholders, are not licensed counselors or therapists. I am never going to try and take the place of a professional, but I will create a safe space for them to come talk to me where I can lead them to a professional.

Access: I will continue to advocate so everyone can have a safe place where they know it's okay to be vulnerable. When we create role models who aren’t afraid to show emotions, who are consistently showing up, and provide extra support, we can change the trajectory of our mental health future. Everyone deserves to have a safe place where they know it's okay to be vulnerable. 

Live: More than 49,315 Americans died by suicide in 2023. Mental health encompasses our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and behave, and influences how we handle stress, relate to others, and make decisions. Just like physical health, mental health is crucial to our overall well-being and quality of life. Stay! It’s ok to not be ok. God made you beautiful in his own Imagine, “You are fearfully and wonderfully made.” God has a plan for YOU! 

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Olivia Walz is the current Miss Fall River Balloon Festival (SD). You can follow her on her title's Instagram.

This is her first guest blog for Section 36 Forevers.

Finding Confidence Through Pageantry

By Ella Acker

A year ago, if someone had told me I’d be competing in pageants, I wouldn’t have believed them. I’ve always been a creative person, expressing myself through music, painting, and other artistic outlets, but stepping onto a stage in front of a crowd was never something I imagined for myself. That all changed when a friend encouraged me to enter my first pageant. I had no expectations—certainly not of winning—but from the moment I walked onto that stage, I knew I had found something special. The energy, the positivity, and the sense of community made me fall in love with the experience instantly.

Growing up, I was always on the shy side, hesitant to step into the spotlight. But pageantry has given me a confidence I never expected. It has challenged me to embrace who I am, speak with courage, and carry myself with grace. My most recent pageant was a defining moment—not just because I won, but because I was the youngest competitor. That experience reminded me how much I’ve grown, and I truly believe it wouldn’t have been possible without God’s guidance. In moments of doubt, I leaned on my faith, trusting that He had placed me on this path for a reason. Each step of this journey has strengthened my belief that with faith and perseverance, anything is possible.

I am also incredibly grateful for my family and friends, who have been my biggest supporters every step of the way. Their encouragement, prayers, and unwavering belief in me have meant the world. Pageantry has taught me that true beauty is more than appearances—it’s about confidence, kindness, and the ability to uplift others. As I continue this journey, I hope to inspire people to step outside their comfort zones, embrace their talents, and trust that God has an incredible plan for them, just as He has for me.

This is only the beginning, and I am so excited for what’s to come. To everyone who has supported me—thank you from the bottom of my heart. I am truly blessed!

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Ella Acker is the current Miss Grayson County's Teen (TX). You can follow her on her title's Instagram.

This is her first guest blog for Section 36 Forevers.

Turning Pain into Purpose: From Evacuating a Warzone to Building My Nonprofit

By Darja Bassut

At 17 years old, I found myself caught in the crossfire of conflict. As sirens wailed and fear gripped my heart, I had to flee Ukraine, where my family had been stationed due to my military background. My journey led me back to Hawaii, a place that had always been home to me. But returning under these circumstances, living in a hotel for 8 months and facing an uncertain future, made it feel unfamiliar. This experience tested my resilience and changed the course of my life in ways I never expected. 

For as long as I can remember, I have felt different. Growing up in a military family meant constantly adapting to new places, cultures, and environments. Every move brought new challenges, and I often struggled to define my identity. Moving to Hawaii at an early age was a turning point. It shaped my understanding of culture and belonging. As a member of an immigrant family with Hispanic and Lithuanian roots, I learned to embrace my diverse background and use it to advocate for inclusion. I realized that diversity is not a barrier but a strength. 
Leaving Ukraine due to war reinforced this belief. In the midst of uncertainty, I saw the power of community and the way people support each other during crises. Shared experiences create strong connections, and I wanted to foster that sense of unity. This realization led me to create Unity Across Borders, a nonprofit focused on cultural appreciation, diversity advocacy, and service. 

The idea for Unity Across Borders was born in a small hotel room where my family and I stayed after evacuating Ukraine. I remember sitting on the bed, overwhelmed by the desire to help but unsure where to start. That night, I launched my first fundraiser. I did not know what the outcome would be, but I knew I had to take action. The funds raised went to children affected by the crisis, and that moment became the foundation for what would later grow into a nonprofit organization. What began as uncertainty became the start of a mission to create meaningful change. 

My experiences have shown me the importance of unity in diversity. I have witnessed how cultural misunderstandings contribute to division, and I wanted to be part of the solution. Unity Across Borders started as a personal initiative to encourage cross-cultural appreciation, amplify diverse voices, and help individuals embrace differences. 

Through my nonprofit, I have introduced cultural competency education across two states and two continents, reaching more than 1,500 students. As a digital creator, I have shared stories and experiences that highlight cultural exchange, gaining over 2 million Pinterest views and 400,000 viral views across platforms. I have also raised approximately $4,000 to support global and national causes, reinforcing the importance of community connection. By collaborating with education professionals and engaging with diverse communities, I continue to expand my work and increase cross-cultural understanding.

As I continue my work, I plan to expand my initiatives, form new partnerships, and integrate my cultural curriculum into more schools. My goal is to make cultural education a fundamental part of learning and create opportunities for students to appreciate diversity. 

Challenges do not have to define us; they can shape us into something stronger. Adversity can either confine us to our struggles or propel us toward a greater purpose. Pain, though heavy, carries the potential to build something meaningful if we choose to transform it. For me, that transformation became Unity Across Borders, a mission born from hardship but fueled by hope. 

I share my story not just as a testament to resilience, but as a reminder that even in the darkest times, there is always an opportunity to create light. Often, the strength we seek is already within us, waiting to be ignited and shared with the world.

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Photo by Aloha Headshots, makeup by Face Art Beauty

Darja Bassut is the current Miss Oahu (HI). You can find her on her title's Instagram.

This is her first blog for Section 36 Forevers.

Take It Easy: Recovering From Injury

 By Rylin Yerdon

“Push yourself” is a phrase I live by. Don’t succumb to the challenge. Fight your way to the top of the mountain and come down stronger. But what happens when you push too hard? What happens when you slip on the mountain and come crashing down? How do you overcome the fear of falling again? I’ve had minor physical injuries before, each one presenting the waiting game that is recovery. And each time, I bounced back. But this time is a little different.

Fitness is my favorite phase of competition. I crave that adrenaline rush as I strut to upbeat music and pose like Wonder Woman. I can feel confidence radiate from my body. As Miss South Dakota approaches in a few short months, I carve out time to practice my fitness routine twice a week. That consistency came to a screeching halt when I contracted tendonitis in my right foot from excessive strain. I didn’t know what happened at the time, so I assumed it was a cramp and went about the rest of my evening in a bit of pain. After some ice and pain reliever, I went to bed expecting to be good as new in the morning.

I was not good as new the next morning. As soon as I woke up, I put both feet on the floor and immediately lost balance due to searing pain in my foot. It became clear that this was more than just a cramp. My foot didn’t have any bruises or swelling, but I paid a visit to a doctor because the pain was so intense. Three x-rays later, I was told there was no sprain, fractures, or broken bones. Instead, I had tendonitis, which is inflammation in the tissues that connect muscles to bones. Mild tendonitis is easily treated with ice, occasional pain reliever, and “taking it easy” for a week or so. 

“Taking it easy”. A simple concept, but easier said than done if you’re someone like me. How can I possibly be productive when I’m stuck in bed with my foot up? How am I supposed to prepare to compete for the job of a lifetime if I can’t walk without being in pain? The answer to those questions is listening to what my body is telling me. I know the condition of my injury could have been immensely worse had I ignored the pain I was in.

I’m still in the recovery process at this time. “Taking it easy” has made time for self-reflection, which I’ll admit is a little rattling. Refocusing my Miss South Dakota prep was not something I planned for. Each hour that passes as I “take it easy”, I think about what I need to prioritize in order to come back stronger. And that priority is my physical wellbeing. 

What I want you to take away from my story is that working hard is important, but so is resting. Being Miss America Fit isn’t just about being strong and energetic— it’s about letting your body recover in its own time. Take it easy on your body because it’s the only one you have.

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Photos by Cameron Schroder Photoraphy

Rylin Yerdon is the current Miss McCrory Gardens (SD). You can find her on her title's Instagram.

This is her second blog for Section 36 Forevers. Be sure to read her other guest blog as well.

Courage Behind the Curtain

By Graceanne Morgan

For as long as I can remember, the stage has been a second home. Whether it’s in theatre, pageants, or speaking engagements, I’ve found such joy in performing. But behind the curtain, before the lights hit, before the curtain rises, there has always been something else: nerves, doubt, and the weight of expectation. I know I’m not alone in this. Performance anxiety is something so many people experience, whether they’re stepping onto a stage, into a classroom, or into any high-pressure situation. We often believe that confidence is something we either have or don’t, but the truth is, it’s something we build. That’s why I created Courage Behind the Curtain — to help not just the state of Arkansas, but anyone in the world who needs to hear how to navigate these moments with strength and resilience. 

A Lesson from the Spotlight 

This past year, I had the incredible opportunity to perform as a Tiger Tunes host at Ouachita Baptist University. It was a thrilling experience—standing on a stage with seven other talented performers, singing and dancing in front of an audience of over 8,000, including the Governor of Arkansas herself! But while I was learning new performance skills, I also felt like I was losing some of the abilities I had relied on for so long. 

In the world of group performance, I had to adjust my style. I had to learn how to blend, how to move in sync, and how to engage with the crowd in a different way than I was used to while performing musical theatre. Suddenly, solo performing felt foreign to me. I struggled to play actions, build character, and interpret a song in the way I once did so naturally. On top of that, I developed bronchitis, which made every performance feel like a battle against my own body. I was terrified of how I sounded, how well I was portraying my character, and, worst of all... I was convinced that the audience was always against me.

 

But I was wrong. 

The audience is never against you. 

That’s a lie performance anxiety tells us—that every mistake is noticed, that every flaw is judged. But the truth is, people want to see you succeed. They aren’t sitting in their seats waiting for you to fail; they’re cheering for you, whether you hear it or not.

 

The Five Steps to Overcoming Performance Anxiety 

Through Courage Behind the Curtain, I share the five key steps that have helped me—and so many others—step into the spotlight with confidence.

1. Recognize the Struggle 

The first step to overcoming performance anxiety is acknowledging it. Pretending it doesn’t exist only gives it more power. Naming our fears takes away their grip. 

2. Surround Yourself with Support 

No one succeeds alone. I’ve learned to lean on mentors, friends, family, and my faith—who remind me of my strength when I forget it myself. 

3. Maintain a Balanced Routine 

Structure creates stability. Sleep, nutrition, and consistent practice all contribute to feeling prepared and grounded. 

4. Embrace Growth over Perfection 

Perfection is an impossible standard. When we shift our focus to growth, we allow ourselves to learn and improve without fear of failure. 

5. Prioritize Self-Care 

Confidence doesn’t come from constant pushing—it also comes from rest, reflection, and moments of stillness. Taking care of ourselves mentally and emotionally is just as important as rehearsing our lines or perfecting our skills.

 

Why This Matters 

Life is full of "performance" moments—whether it’s giving a speech, going for a big opportunity, or even just stepping into a new role. My hope is that Courage Behind the Curtain helps people realize they’re not alone in their struggle. Fear doesn’t define us. Instead, we can use it as fuel to become stronger, braver, and more confident. 

To anyone standing behind the curtain, wondering if they have what it takes: You do. And when the moment comes to step into the light, I hope you remember that courage is already within you. 

You just have to step forward. 

Join the Conversation 

Courage Behind the Curtain is not just my story—it's a journey we can all take together. I invite you to share your own experiences with performance anxiety and the steps you've taken to overcome it. By connecting with others who understand the struggle, we can inspire each other to embrace our fears and walk confidently into the spotlight. 

Together, we can rewrite the narrative of fear and transform it into the power that drives us all forward.  

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Photo by Michelle Roberts and Shawna Hobson

Graceanne Morgan is the currrent Miss Johnson County (AR). You can find her on Instagram at her organization's account, and her personal account.

This is her first guest blog for Section 36 Forevers.

Working Behind the Camera

By Hannah Karki

Hi everyone, and welcome back to another fun blog post! Today, I am going to be talking about my love of being behind the camera instead of in front of it.

Now as you know, I am the reigning Teen Petite USA 2024, so I spend a lot of time at events, being in front of the camera, and spreading awareness about my platform and uplifting young ladies competing in person by doing events, being a guest speaker, and a author. 

I also believe the power of uplifting woman comes with creating Hannah’s Hot Tools, HansHH for short, the hair for Slay Your Moment Photography. I love being able to be behind the camera and talk to the ladies who we work with about who they are and get to know them beyond their crown or platform. Learning about their personalities and lives makes me feel super fulfilled as a person. Being able to make them feel beautiful by styling their hair also helps me spread my message of love and positivity for supporting woman competing in pageants. 

I believe strongly that every woman deserves a strong family of sister queens from multiple systems and states. For me, I have sister queens from the Miss USA organization who I competed with when I was 14-17, the HighSchool America System, and now the Petite USA system. Even though they are different systems with different values, the same encouragement of creating a sisterhood is strong and prominent in all three. I also have many connections in the America system and Miss Earth system. All of these connections were forged on the belief that pageants are meant for woman to make long lasting friendships and better themselves. It’s truly an amazing feeling to know I have sisters all across the country, and all across the world that I can rely on!

But back to hair, I have naturally curly, black hair. Learning how to style my hair was not for the weak. Having to dry, then straighten, and then curl my hair definitely took some getting used to, but I also felt inspired to help others style their hair. 
Making woman feel beautiful and seeing them physically glow in-front of the camera is one of the best feelings in the world. Being able to hype them up behind the camera, whether I am doing their behind the scenes or working on their hair has driven my passion to want to go to cosmetology school(whenever I’m not competing, which will be like 50 years). 

In pageantry, my main goal is to celebrate woman and their accomplishments, but also help woman find hair styles they love for stage and photoshoots cost free. 

I also love being able to work with the woman who inspired me to keep competing in pageants. Shannah is a force, and is literally able to do any task you give that girl. She has taught me everything, from doing my own hair and makeup, to walking, and to styling myself. Seeing her be a successful photographer and having her dreams come true on-top of being in school and being Ms New England Petite is truly inspiring.  Watching us grow together the last few years has been one greatest experiences I’ve ever been a part of. Watching her make women feel seen, heard, and understood while doing their makeup, and then their faces after they see her work is one of my favorite moments.

Overall, I actually prefer being behind the camera. My experience with being in-front of it hasn’t been easy; especially when I had the Edna Mode bangs and would only wear dark colors. I don’t really like myself with makeup, and I feel like if I stare at my own photos for too long I start to not love how I look. Being able to take a step back once and awhile and watch others bask in the sunlight is one of my favorite things about doing hair. 

All in all, doing hair has forged bonds with amazing woman in the pageant world and has brought me many amazing connections. I can’t wait to keep doing hair and making woman feel beautiful.

Anyways, see yall next time! I hope you are enjoying these fun filled blogs!

A reminder to go tell someone that you love them today, and how proud of them you are and their progress!

With love and see you soon! 
Han

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Post photos by Slay Your Moment Photography

K. Garcia Prod

Hannah Karki is the current Miss Teen Petite USA. You can follow her on her title's Instagram and website. 

Hannah has been kind enough to write several submissions for us. Follow the link for her other Section 36 Forevers Guest Blogs.

Competing With a Chronic Illness

By Etta Tidd

Miss America is for every single young woman who wants to participate. Having a chronic illness shouldn't stop you from following your passions, but it can make it harder. I have competed in the Miss Wisconsin’s Teen Organization for the past four years with a Congenital Heart Defect. While I don't have a step-by-step guide for how to compete with a chronic illness, I have tips that helped me!

1. Advocate - It is important to contact the directors of the program (At the local, state, or national level) well in advance. Whether through email, in conversation, or over the phone; find a way to lay out all the details about your accommodations, and warning signs for if something were to go wrong. Being able to advocate for yourself to the directors helps ensure you will receive your accommodations, but also allows the directors to give all the competition volunteers the right information. Try to not stress about this because truly everyone is there to help you, and wants to see you succeed!

2. Supports- Keep your support people/emergency contacts close. Whenever I am competing I ask my mom to stay somewhat in the area on the day of the competition just in case anything bad happens. Even though sometimes the chances of a health emergency are low, it's important to plan for the worst in this situation because it can ease anxiety. 

3. Sleep and Eat Healthy- During competition week it is important to get sleep and eat heathy as much as possible! I know firsthand that it can be super difficult to get adequate sleep during that week when nerves are running high and time is running low. Sometimes even putting in Airpods, playing comforting music, wrapping yourself up in a blanket, and using a stuffed animal as a pillow can make you feel even a bit better. Whether it is ten minutes or three, that little bit can get you out of your head and give your body a minute to regenerate. 

4. Prepare For Questions- Be prepared to get asked about your chronic illness in Private Interview (if it is on your paperwork). I can think of millions of times that I was asked about my Heart Condition in an interview, sometimes kindly other times not. If you are asked about your illness with a harsh tone, remember that it can come from a lack of understanding and not meant to come off as rude. Be prepared to talk about the accommodations you would put in place for yourself, and that you are still “capable” of doing the job of a titleholder despite a chronic illness.

5. Schedule- If you have the opportunity to become a titleholder within the Miss America Opportunity, it is very important to schedule appearances wisely. For women without a Chronic illness it might be possible to schedule three appearances in one day for themselves but often it may not be for you. I reduce additional exhaustion and sickness by being realistic with my schedule, if there are three appearances I want to do in the same day I pick the person who asked me first, or one that most aligns with my mission (If I was not asked). It can be upsetting to not be able to attend everything under the sun unlike most titleholders, but unfortunately there is not a fix to that. I always remind myself that I would rather be fully present and active for one appearance, rather than not representing my mission, and the brand of Miss America correctly for three

With this, remind yourself of the strengths that a chronic illness brings to you, like being able to give you a story. Miss America represents ALL different types of women, especially those with different issues. You get a space to represent people who are often under represented in the media and pageantry. Think of how it might have felt to grow up without correct representation for your chronic disease, now you have the opportunity to be that representation for children and adults alike.

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Etta Tidd is the currrent Miss Pike Creek's Teen (WI). You can find her on Instagram at her title's account, and her personal account.

This is her first guest blog for Section 36 Forevers.